We hear it all the time: “celebrities are just like everyone else.” And in many ways, that’s true. But you might have some unique concerns when it comes to rehab. For example, privacy, flexibility, and maintaining your lifestyle might be especially high priorities. In a luxury rehab center, you can start addiction and mental health recovery without sacrificing your other needs.
Why Is Addiction So Common in Celebrities?
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Whether or not you’re famous, you might develop an addiction for a variety of reasons. But certain aspects of fame contribute to higher rates of addiction among affluent people:1
Easier access to drugs and alcohol
Isolation from trustworthy support systems
Trauma from abuse and neglect, especially during childhood fame
Pressure from demanding professions
Like anyone else, some celebrities may also have a genetic predisposition to addiction.2 This risk is further increased when combined with a stressful lifestyle.
Unique Challenges of Recovery for Celebrities
If fame plays a role in developing addiction, it also affects how you access treatment. Many celebrities have ongoing contractual obligations like games, tours, or interviews. So if you take time off work for treatment, you might face career and financial penalties. And those commitments don’t end after rehab. Many of them even come with an expectation to drink or use drugs with your colleagues and fans.
High achievers also face significant financial pressures. You might be supporting a large staff, artistic collaborators, and loved ones. So if you stop working, they could feel immediate effects. And fame doesn’t always bring financial success. High-profile activists, politicians, and artists can’t always afford rehab centers with the strict privacy they need.
For this demographic, public opinion has a major impact on the recovery process. And unwanted media attention can interfere with healing. Because of this, confidentiality is a major concern for high-profile clients—as it should be. You have the right to recover on your own terms. That’s why most rehabs have privacy policies that keep celebrities safe from prying eyes.
Celebrity rehabs understand the unique ways that fame affects addiction and recovery. There are a few key ways rehabs approach treatment for high-profile patients.
Confidentiality
For most celebrities, privacy is essential for recovery. That way, you can focus on yourself and the changes you want to make, without distractions. With this in mind, celebrity rehabs have strict privacy policies.
Location can also play a role in keeping your recovery private. Swiss rehabs, for example, take anonymity to the next level. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, explains:
“In terms of confidentiality, that’s basically the second name of Switzerland. It’s the banking secrecy, the whole discretion. The Swiss mindset is, in a way, non-sensational. We get clients who are celebrity, A-list Hollywood actors, who go to the local Starbucks. Of course they’re recognized, but it’s not in the news, the local tabloids don’t write about it, and they’re not harassed for autographs either.”
Flexibility
With success comes responsibility. If a team of employees depend on you, you might not be able to take time off work for recovery. Or you might need to attend social functions, or stay in touch with your family. At many elite rehabs, you can keep these commitments during your stay.
Some centers have more relaxed device use policies, so you can stay connected throughout treatment. Others even allow you to work remotely. As long as these activities don’t interfere with your progress, you can continue taking care of business while you heal.
Gerber describes how the clinicians at Paracelsus Recovery accommodate each patient’s individual needs:
“We’ve had people with regular scheduled TV appearances, such as entertainers who have had to be in front of the camera once a week in a different country. We could accommodate that. We have people who run companies, or family business empires. They have to have work calls every day. We have to accommodate that.”
Tikvah Lake Recovery provides clients with a sober companion to join them at special events.
At White River Manor in South Africa, for instance, patients can go bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, or even on safari. Director Co-Owner Giles Fourie describes the therapeutic value of these activities:
“There’s great therapy in that. It’s also just about having fun. There’s great value in our clients experiencing what it is to have fun outside of addiction, outside of the substances that they believed they needed in order to experience joy in their lives.”
And these experiences don’t just bring joy to your time in treatment. They can also set you up for long-term success.
Comprehensive Aftercare
When you leave inpatient treatment, you’ll probably return to the same world you left behind. Even if you’re sober, you might need to keep attending high-profile events where drugs and alcohol play a role. And you’ll still face the same pressures you did before entering treatment.
That’s why many celebrity rehabs offer comprehensive aftercare. You can return to the center for a follow-up stay, or meet with your therapist remotely. Some rehabs, like Tikvah Lake Recovery, even offer sober companions to join you at special events. Their presence can help you work through triggers and avoid relapse.
What Rehabs Do Celebrities Go To?
Recovery is unique for everyone—even high-profile clients. While many celebrity rehabs are lavish retreats, that’s not universally true.
As extravagant as this sounds, not all celebrity rehabs are expensive. And most of them accept insurance since the adoption of the Affordable Care Act. Treatment in some parts of the world, like Thailand, is particularly accessible. Whatever your budget is, you can likely find a luxury rehab that fits your lifestyle.
The Hills Rehab Chiang Mai and other rehabs in Thailand offer luxury amenities at an affordable price point.
Bespoke Luxury Rehabs
When you’re used to a high standard of living, leaving it behind can interfere with healing. But if luxury amenities are a priority for you, many rehabs can meet your needs. You might have a private chef, personal trainer, and house staff assigned to you during your stay. And you can stay in a 5-star room, private suite, or even an entire villa. Many luxury rehabs also offer a 24/7 concierge service. You’ll have somebody there to act as a liaison between you, the staff, and your loved ones throughout treatment. And they can also be an important source of emotional support outside of your treatment team.
In rehabs like Orenda at Futures, this approach is central to recovery. Their team believes “freeing patients to concentrate fully on therapy produces better outcomes.”4 To that end, their team is dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs. They’re always available to answer your questions and make your stay as comfortable as possible.
These types of rehabs treat the whole person, addressing your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. At Alta Mira Recovery in California, expert staff “address neurobiological, psychological, social, physical and spiritual aspects of addiction” with therapies ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to equine therapy.
Celebrity Rehabs: Joyful and Private Places to Heal
When you find fame, it’s all too easy to lose yourself in the process. In treatment, you can get to know yourself again without the pressure of public opinion. And you won’t have to choose between career success and recovery. Celebrity rehabs show you how to keep the best parts of your lifestyle, and let go of the behaviors that aren’t serving you.
Search our collection of luxury rehabs to learn more about their locations, approaches, and special considerations.
Canada’s beautiful landscape has seemingly endless mountains, lakes, beaches, and forests. As such, many addiction treatment centers in Canada offer outdoor activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and fishing. The tranquil scenery lets you begin recovery in peaceful solitude.
Canadian luxury rehab centers place a focus on holistic, individualized treatment, although 12-Step programs are also available. Social support plays a central role in many programs, through peer-to-peer relationships and family therapy. There’s also a strong focus on aftercare, helping clients transition back into daily life after treatment.
Canada’s Awe-Inspiring Landscape
There’s no shortage of beautiful natural areas in Canada.1 The country is home to vast mountain ranges like the well-known Canadian Rockies, and an abundance of lakes, rivers, beaches, and more. These areas offer exciting views of local wildlife and countless opportunities for recreation. Canada’s coastline stretches far and wide, giving visitors plenty of space for reflection by the seaside.
Many of Canada’s rehab centers are located in natural settings. Victoria Wellness sits on Rice Lake’s picturesque shoreline, only steps from the lake. Their program includes onsite activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. In your free time, you can make your way along the winding path in the labyrinth. The rock-lined trail guides you to the center, and is meant to help facilitate mindfulness through walking meditation.
Cedars at Cobble Hill spreads out across 65 acres of land in the middle of one of British Columbia’s beautiful forests. Tall trees surround the log cabin-like buildings, and trails pepper the forest for clients to explore at their leisure.
Addiction Treatment in the City
You might choose to attend a rehab facility in a larger city if you want to stay close to home, or just prefer urban environments. But even the large cities in Canada aren’t far from nature. For example, Andy’s House in Montréal is only minutes from the St. Lawrence River.
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Andy’s House is steps away from one of Montreal’s largest rivers.
Montréal also has a thriving movie scene, and has been the set for several major films—including The Notebook and The Life of Pi. Perhaps this is why Andy’s House offers cinema therapy. During this unique form of treatment, clients watch movies whose characters’ experiences are similar to their own. These films can help you confront your own issues in a safe and supportive environment.
Although Toronto is the largest city in Canada,2 it still has plentiful green spaces. There are more than 1,600 parks in the city, making up almost 20,000 acres of land. Bellwood Health Services is steps from the lush and green Sunnywood Park. The secluded location amidst beautiful views of tall trees, green grass, and snaking pathways makes it hard to believe you’re still in a busy city. If you decide to attend a rehab center in Toronto, you’ll be close to both an urban environment and plenty of natural ones.
The Bright Side of Cold Winters
If you’re considering rehab in any of these areas, remember to consider Canada’s climate.3 The country experiences all 4 seasons, and the farther north you go, the longer the winters are. Most parts of the country experience temperatures below freezing for the majority of winter. There’s a reason Canada’s nickname is “The Great White North!”
However, the cold season does have its perks—like snow sports! Several centers offer fun winter activities, like snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. The short, quiet days of the time of year can also provide a much-needed respite from the world at large. You can watch the snow falling outside your window, or go for brisk winter walks to soak up the peace that this season can offer.
If cold winter days still don’t appeal to you, it may be better to attend rehab in a warmer climate. This is especially true if you prefer to participate in activities like swimming and biking, which may be harder to find in Canada.
Canada Rehab Centers Foster a Spirit of Adventure
Canada’s highly accessible outdoor activities make it a great destination for adventure seekers. And it’s not just fun—adventurous activities are also good for your mental health,4 especially when done in natural environments. According to research, these activities have several benefits:
improved resilience and self-efficacy
Increased confidence after completing challenges
connectedness to nature
physical fitness
opportunities practice emotion regulation
Numerous Canadian rehabs offer adventure outings and sports. At Valiant Recovery, for example, you can play golf, complete a ropes course, go ziplining, and more. They also offer rooftop therapy sessions, so clients can bask in the sunshine to release the stress of working through emotional traumas. Seabridge Foundation is just minutes from the coast in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Among other outdoor adventures, they take clients whale watching, white water rafting, and skydiving.
Activities offered at Valiant Recovery in Kelowna, British Columbia, make the most of the outdoors.
Building Community During Recovery
Community is extremely important during the healing process. In his now-famous TED Talk, journalist Johann Hari says that “the opposite of addiction is connection.”5 While Hari isn’t a medical professional, he’s definitely right about one thing: the people you surround yourself with can have a huge impact on your recovery.
The Social Model Program
The “social model” is an approach that emphasizes the importance of peer support in residential rehab.6 While many centers offer group therapy and support groups, it’s less common for peer support to be the primary focus of residential rehab. The social model aims to bridge that gap. It prioritizes interpersonal relationships over individual treatment plans. Most social model recovery programs are founded on the same basic principles:
Residents both give and receive mutual support, relying on each other and not just trained caregivers.
A positive environment promotes abstinence from drug use.
12-Step or non-12-Step support groups provide a framework for the healing process.
Residents can learn from each other’s knowledge and experience of recovery.
The Last Door, a rehab center for youth and adult males ages 13-30, utilizes the social model approach. In this program, expert providers “guide but do not drive the management process.” This empowers clients to define what healing means for themselves. Peers play a crucial role in each other’s learning, healing, and rehabilitation processes. Clients can also participate in the community through volunteerism and social outings. This focus on interpersonal skills not only helps you build new relationships; it can also help repair existing ones.
Healing Family Dynamics in Rehab
You’re probably not the only person in your family who can benefit from therapy. Addiction can be difficult for loved ones, too, including parents, children, and partners. Family therapy teaches you how to handle conflicts in a healthy way. It can also help participants process trauma in a safe environment. Family members learn how to support each other and move forward with more sustainable, happier relationships. In many rehab programs, friends and chosen family can partake in this form of treatment.
Sue knew something was different about her husband, but wasn’t sure what was causing his drastic change in behavior. Even after she learned about his cocaine addiction, it was a long and emotionally taxing 3 years before he agreed to seek help. Fortunately for both Sue and her husband, the Last Door offers programs for loved ones affected by addiction.
“I lost a part of who I was during that time,” Sue says. But through a family group that she attended with her husband, and a support group just for partners, Sue found herself again. She acknowledges that both groups were instrumental in her personal healing process, and that of her marriage. “I was able to heal, and he was able to heal,” she says. “You can move on and live life past addiction. That’s one really important lesson that we’ve learned.”
In family therapy, you and your loved ones can begin to repair your relationships—with each other, and with yourselves.
Canada Treatment Centers Focus on Aftercare
For most people, the healing process continues after rehab. Aftercare, also called continuing care, is an extremely important part of recovery.7 Research suggests that longer periods of aftercare result in a higher likelihood of abstinence from drug use, and sustained positive effects from treatment.
Many rehabs in Canada place an emphasis on continuing care, and provide ample resources for alumni. Aurora Recovery Centre in Manitoba helps each resident create a personalized strategy for continuing care at home.
Some clients aren’t ready to go home right after treatment. If you need more support, Aurora Recovery Centre also offers stepped-down care following residential rehab. You can stay on their property in transitional housing, or move off-site to one of their partner sober living homes. These settings can help you slowly reacclimate to life outside rehab.
Aurora Recovery Centre’s transitional housing is located on their vast property near the shores of Lake Winnipeg.
In our increasingly technological world, online aftercare is getting more and more popular. When you finish rehab at iRecover Addiction Treatment Centers, you’ll get a tablet that comes pre-loaded with program content. Clients keep the device after finishing rehab, and can attend any of the 4 online, live 12-Step meetings that happen each day. You can also use your tablet to stay in touch with fellow participants after the program ends.
How to Get to Canada
Traveling to and within Canada is simple. From the U.S., you can just drive across the border, or fly into one of Canada’s many airports. Because Canada is so large—by area, it’s the second biggest country in the world—you may prefer to fly, even if you already live there.
To make travel less stressful, most treatment facilities offer transportation directly to and from the airport. However, it’s important to check with your rehab’s admissions team before making any plans. They can help you choose the best way to get to their facility.
Canada’s Rehab Centers Utilize the Power of Nature to Aid in Healing
In Canada’s treatment centers, you’re never far from peaceful natural settings. That’s true whether you choose a rehab deep in the forest or in the middle of a bustling city. With an emphasis on building community and robust aftercare, addiction treatment here can be the right fit for a great many people.
Ready to take that first step? See pricing and insurance information, center photos, reviews, and more and connect directly with rehabs via our directory of luxury rehabs in Canada.
Substance misuse can be extremely isolating. For some clients, rehab is a good time to break out of old patterns and start rebuilding interpersonal relationships. And, as valuable as talk therapies are, there are some skills you can only learn by engaging in mutual support. If your goal is to focus on those skills, you might benefit from joining a therapeutic community.
While many of these programs take place within rehab facilities, they take a unique approach to the healing process. Residents receive some level of professional care, which may include talk therapy, medical supervision, and various other programs. In addition to this, clients actively cultivate a community of mutual emotional support.
In some of these earlier programs, members were prohibited from using medications of any kind, even to help with detox. Over time, and as public opinion has shifted, many facilities have adopted a more modern approach. Today, it’s quite common for TCs to be connected with more traditional rehab facilities. This allows clients to benefit from recent medical advances, while still connecting deeply with one other. If you attend one of these programs, you will also be asked to take on greater responsibilities than you would be in a more traditional rehab program.
Collective Responsibility
In a therapeutic community, clients are often expected to participate in group activities, engage directly with one another, and even perform daily chores. These activities are intended to help you cultivate life skills and build healthy relationships. By behaving as an important part of a larger collective, you may become more confident in your own personal strengths.
As psychiatrist Penelope Campling explains, this philosophy is founded on the ideas of self-empowerment and collective responsibility. She writes, “therapeutic communities3 are deliberately structured in a way that encourages personal responsibility and avoids unhelpful dependency on professionals. Patients are seen as bringing strengths and creative energy into the therapeutic setting, and the peer group is seen as all-important in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance.”
TCs conceive of the “community as [the] method“4 or mechanism of healing. In this model, clients are not only accountable for their own recovery; they also assume a certain level of responsibility for each others’ healing processes. There is “an emphasis on social learning5 and mutual self-help…This aid to others is seen as an important part of changing oneself.”
Length of Stay in a Therapeutic Community
These programs often last longer than other forms of treatment, and your length of stay will likely be determined by your unique needs. At Start2Stop, a facility in London, offers a Secondary Care Programme for those who have completed 28-day inpatient treatment. “Everyone is different and the length of stay will depend upon individual circumstances,” says the provider. However, most clients stay on-site for approximately three months.
Research suggests that it is especially important for clients to prioritize aftercare following their stay in a TC. According to one study on therapeutic communities’ effectiveness,6 both “length of stay in treatment and participation in subsequent aftercare were consistent predictors of recovery status.” This may be related to the well-documented importance of community for mental health.7 After you learn to engage with fellow residents in a TC, it may be difficult to return to a less communal setting.
Group Activities
While therapeutic communities share a particular approach, various TCs have slightly different philosophies regarding recovery. For instance, some of these programs are founded in the 12 Steps of A.A. or N.A. Others may host only teens, or offer gender-specific treatment. No matter who is part of your cohort, you can expect to participate in focused group activities.
It’s quite common for clients to engage in group therapy or support groups during their stay. You may also join in group outings or even shared meals. These experiences help residents cultivate a sense of community by both offering and receiving emotional support from peers. When this exchange occurs outside of traditional talk therapy, clients can practice interpersonal skills in a variety of contexts. This may help you prepare for life after rehab, when you’ll start interacting with people who aren’t necessarily in recovery.
A growing body of evidence suggests mutual support between clients with substance use disorders8 is hugely beneficial. Experts have found that these relationships “fill a gap that often exists in both formal and informal treatment for individuals with SUD by focusing on recovery first and by helping to rebuild and redefine the individual’s community and life.”
You are more than your illness. Simply watching a movie with a friend, going on a hike, or talking about a good book can help you remember that. And during your time in residence at a TC, you may have more and more opportunities to engage in these activities.
Stages of Recovery
Many therapeutic communities employ a “hierarchical model of care”.9 In this dynamic, clients gain more privileges as they work through predefined stages of recovery. These privileges often include access to the outside world, such as receiving an allowance, using a laptop, or going off-site. For example, you might be allowed to spend a night away from the facility after being in the program for a certain period of time.
Because of this philosophy, TCs may be a good fit for people with responsibilities they can’t set down for months at a time. In particular, students and employed professionals may be able to keep up with school and work during treatment. Some clients might need to do this remotely, while others may be allowed to leave the facility during the day.
Unlike other rehab models, therapeutic communities actively encourage clients to reintegrate with the outside world10 before completing treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, “as program participants progress through the stages of recovery, they assume greater personal and social responsibilities in the community. The goal is for a TC participant to leave the program not only drug-free but also employed or in school or training. It is not uncommon for program participants to progress in their recovery to take on leadership and staff roles within the TC.”
This flexibility should not be confused with a lack of structure. On the contrary, clients enjoy certain freedoms precisely because they remain accountable to themselves, each other, and their healthcare providers. At every stage of recovery, you’ll be expected to follow certain house rules.
Common Regulations in Therapeutic Communities
Life in a TC strikes a delicate balance. On the one hand, you’ll slowly gain privileges that aren’t available in other rehab programs. And on the other hand, you’ll be expected to take on responsibilities that are rarely associated with inpatient treatment. These two components work in concert to empower clients. The daily practice of caring for yourself and others, while watching the impact of your behavior in real time, can have a huge impact on the recovery process.
Sobriety
Most therapeutic communities have a zero-tolerance policy for substance use. You may undergo regular tests to confirm your sobriety. This practice is especially important for clients who spend significant time off-site. By gathering data about your health, your clinicians can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
If you do test positive for substances during your stay, you may have to leave the program permanently. While this may sound extreme, it’s in line with the philosophy of community accountability. In a TC, even more than in some other programs, your behavior has a drastic impact on the health of other residents. This strategy not only discourages substance misuse; it also protects clients from engaging in enabling behavior.
Household Chores
Living in a community means being partially responsible for the well-being of the whole group. With this in mind, most TCs require residents to take care of their own living spaces. These activities aren’t simply utilitarian; they’re also an exercise in interpersonal dynamics. A task as simple as sweeping the floor can become an act of caring for your cohort.
Each program has its own unique expectations of clients. At MARR, a TC in Georgia, clients “complete chores, buy groceries together, have dinner at the dining room table every night, and navigate day-to-day activities. This sense of community has proven to be a huge factor in the recovery process. It lets clients know they’re not alone while challenging their old habits at the same time.”
This practice teaches valuable life skills, helps clients develop healthier habits, and fosters strong relationships. It may also have a long-lasting positive effect on the psychological aspect of healing. Data suggests that life skills training11 and related activities may be an important preventive measure for those in recovery from substance use disorders.
Curfew
TCs have a strong focus on building healthy habits into your daily routine. Because of this, you can expect to follow a clearly defined schedule during your time there. Although it will likely include much more free time than a traditional rehab, you’ll still have to abide by a curfew. This curfew may change over time, as you progress through the stages of recovery. And even if you’re able to spend the occasional night off-site, you’ll still likely need to return at a predetermined time. Much like regular drug testing, this practice helps clinicians gather data about your recovery process—specifically your ability to keep your commitments and respect healthy boundaries.
Does Scientific Data Support Healing in a Therapeutic Community?
Significant research supports the idea that clients benefit from building community during recovery. Connecting with your peers not only gives you access to support; it also positions you to help the people around you. By empathizing with the people in your cohort, you may gain new insights into your own recovery process. As you develop mutual compassion and respect, you may also gain new confidence in your own role in the group.
However, much research is needed into the efficacy of TCs.12 Despite their lengthy history, there is little scientific data regarding their clients’ long-term recovery. One commonly cited study from the 1980s found that “nearly 30% of addicts treated in TCs maintain maximally favorable outcomes, while another 30% show significant improvement over their pretreatment status.” Because our clinical understanding of substance use has progressed so much since then, those findings may or may not reflect present-day outcomes.
More recently, a 2016 study found that “peer-led recovery support services13 may be a helpful addition to traditional professional services. More research is needed to make definitive recommendations.” However, it’s important to note that this is an analysis of specific peer-led services which may or may not be available in every therapeutic community. Based on related information, it’s very likely that TCs continue to have a positive long-term effect on recovery. But—just like any healing modality—treatment in a therapeutic community may be best when combined with traditional modalities, such as talk therapy and medical care.
Is a Therapeutic Community Right for You?
There’s no doubt that therapeutic communities offer a unique approach to recovery. This type of environment might be a good fit for clients who want to focus on improving their interpersonal relationships and developing life skills. And because residents may gain off-site privileges during their stay, this model may be especially appealing to people with certain commitments, such as work, school, or family responsibilities.
However, some clients may find that the lifestyle of a TC is incompatible with their own needs. For example, highly visible people—especially high-level executives and those with celebrity status—may require greater discretion. Others may need specialized medical care that isn’t available in this environment. And if you feel that you would benefit from more structure, or a greater level of protection from the outside world, you might consider attending a more traditional rehab program.
It’s also possible to take a combined approach, and attend a TC after completing detox or another inpatient treatment program. And, at any rehab, you can find ways to participate in a community both during and after the program. Even individual treatment programs may allow you to connect with loved ones during your stay. Whatever modality feels right for you, remember that healing your relationships is an important part of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapeutic Communities in Addiction Treatment
What is a therapeutic community in addiction treatment?
A therapeutic community in addiction treatment is a supportive environment where individuals in recovery live together, fostering personal growth through peer support, self-help, and shared responsibility.
What are the benefits of a therapeutic community in addiction treatment?
Therapeutic communities in addiction treatment provide a sense of belonging, support, and accountability, helping people develop life skills, coping strategies, and form healthy relationships.
How does a therapeutic community in addiction treatment promote recovery?
Therapeutic communities promote recovery by offering a structured environment for building healthy relationships, encouraging self-reflection, personal growth, and the development of healthier behaviors and coping mechanisms.
When it comes to addiction treatment, there’s no one, universal approach. Psychologists and medical experts today have a better understanding of substance use disorder treatment than ever before. We now know that everyone’s path to recovery is unique and that there are many different ways to heal.
Some people want to keep up with daily responsibilities and have a strong support system at home. For these people, an outpatient program may be the best fit. Others might find their support network lacking, or face everyday stressors that could hinder their recovery efforts. In these cases, attending a residential rehab might be a more effective choice.
Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, isn’t just for people who need distance from their everyday environment. Residential treatment provides you with round-the-clock care, the opportunity to fully focus on achieving your sobriety goals, an empathetic community of people undergoing similar experiences, and other supportive aspects, from on-site detox opportunities to a peer support network.
1. On-Site Detox Opportunities
Residential rehab can be an appropriate option for clients who require specialized treatment, including those who are concerned about substance withdrawal. It can be physically and psychologically uncomfortable or even dangerous to quit certain substances cold-turkey following prolonged use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), withdrawal symptoms from substances like opioids, alcohol, and stimulants1 can range from anxiety, headaches, and nausea to delirium, hallucinations, and seizures. For this reason, undergoing detox under the supervision of experienced professionals is the safest option.
With this in mind, some inpatient rehabs provide on-site detox services. Completing a safe, medically supervised detox at the same location as your program can result in a smoother transition into treatment.
In contrast, Boston Medical Center’s HealthCity platform reports that the period following detox can “be a dangerous time if it doesn’t lead to continued treatment.”2 This is because the possibility of relapse combined with the risk of unintentional overdose. In a study by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, out of 30,681 patients who were admitted to a detox facility, those who didn’t receive any treatment in the month following the detox program had the greatest mortality rates.3 By 12 months after detox, 2% had died. On the other hand, “the greatest mortality reduction, 89%, was seen among the few patients who received both medication and an inpatient residential stay within the month following detox.” These rates show a vital benefit to continuing treatment as soon as possible post-detox.
The length of an average detox program is 3 to 7 days. However, if you’re detoxing from certain substances like benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms can persist even after you’ve completed the program. In these cases, it’s valuable—and potentially life-saving—to have access to experienced medical staff on campus. Any continuing withdrawal symptoms can then be addressed and treated alongside therapy to help with deeper issues. Some residential rehabs that don’t offer on-site detox work closely with detox centers in the area and can help with the transition from detox to addiction treatment.
2. A Structured Schedule
Whether it’s pressure at work or friction at home, day-to-day life is full of triggers. These triggers can lead to substance use that disrupts your daily schedule. In turn, a lack of structure in your day can produce ripe conditions for engaging in damaging habits. This is where residential rehab programs can offer unique support. When you live on-site at a facility, you’ll be following a fully scheduled treatment program.
A typical schedule at a residential center often includes opportunities for individual therapy, group meetings, and recreational activities. Medical support is also incorporated into the day’s program. Most residential programs also allow participants some downtime to unwind and digest what they’re learning. But regular schedules are strongly featured, though the level of intensiveness may vary from program to program. This routine can serve to close the gaps in time that allow cravings to grow and instead help you fully concentrate on your recovery. Time and attention that you would otherwise spend on household, family, and job responsibilities can go on pause during inpatient treatment. All scheduled activities share the goal of providing opportunities for you to give attention to yourself and your needs. At the end of the day, the most important item on your agenda at residential rehab is to work on changing your life.
Sierra Tuscon offers an example of a well-structured day at rehab.
“The residential treatment structure at Sierra Tucson makes for a busy day. Typically, individuals will wake up somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00. They receive support from nursing and our residential safety coaches in the morning, followed by breakfast and then a lodge meeting. Later in the morning, they’ll go to group lectures, group therapies, complete a two-hour process group and then they’d have a number of individual appointments. When the day starts to close down, they go for dinner and join wind-down group activities, which are meditative or artistic expressions. Finally, they end with a lodge meeting, connecting with peers, and say gratitude for the day. We start the day by setting intentions and end the day with gratitude.”
– Dr. Chasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer, Sierra Tuscon
3. A Helpful Change of Scenery
A change in environment can have a positive impact on brain chemistry,4 according to research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. “New and diverse experiences are linked to enhanced happiness, and this relationship is associated with greater correlation of brain activity, new research has found.”
Going away for addiction treatment may provide you with the motivation you need to work on your relationships with the goal of rebuilding them when you return. On the other hand, creating physical distance can encourage emotional separation from bad influences. The time away can be a good start in distancing yourself from destructive relationships, whether you’re beginning to create permanent boundaries or taking a break to regroup and consider your options.
A change of scenery can also be a catalyst for a change in perspective. In fact, behavioral health experts recommend that we “place ourselves in situations and locations that spark growth.” But what if our regular environment seems to spark only negativity? Spending time away in different surroundings and participating in new experiences can help us view life through a different lens. This, in turn, can assist us in moving away from a negative mindset and toward a more positive outlook on life.
It’s worth noting, too, that triggers may not necessarily come from toxic relationships or stressful situations. They may also come from the mundane sights, sounds, or smells that are present in our everyday environments. Physically stepping away from these possible triggers can do a world of good and can help you find freedom from some of the basic, yet sometimes unnoticed, habits of addiction. You’re less likely to encounter some of those signals that trigger cravings when you’re in the organized, healing-focused environment of a residential facility.
4. An Immersive, Sober Environment
Residential rehabs provide a sober living environment. In most accredited rehab centers, you wouldn’t have access to the substances that could jeopardize your recovery. These centers provide an environment that’s carefully formulated to be conducive to your sobriety. This confidence can help you cope emotionally during the challenging phase of coming off of substances and transitioning into the deeper work of recovery.
5. An Understanding Peer Support Network
According to studies conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) on groups and substance abuse treatment,5 “Groups intrinsically have many rewarding benefits—such as reducing isolation and enabling members to witness the recovery of others—and these qualities draw clients into a culture of recovery. Another reason groups work so well is that they are suitable especially for treating problems that commonly accompany substance abuse, such as depression, isolation, and shame.”
These benefits can be attained in the residential rehab setting. Some are hesitant to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with substance abuse. But entering a residential treatment environment can connect you with people who truly understand the suffering that addiction brings. Clients benefit from the social dynamics at rehab facilities since they provide group support and opportunities to improve interpersonal and communication skills.
The professionals you’ll meet on campus act as understanding guides, while your recovery peers’ shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie. This environment fosters a valuable sense of connection that, in turn, can be empowering. Even meals shared with people who can relate to what you’re going through can provide comfort when you need it most.
6. Personalized Care
A person in residential treatment can truly focus on themselves, free from the constraints they left at home. It might seem difficult at first to put other obligations aside along with destructive habits, but one-on-one therapy sessions can help clients begin caring for themselves again. Opportunities to express your feelings in a confidential setting with a trustworthy therapist can help you stay on course throughout the process. Studies even show that building rapport between counselor and client can contribute to a higher possibility of continuing recovery.6
Residential rehabs offer a wide variety of programs that can cater to different clients’ needs. Since you’ll be spending considerable time at a facility, you may find it helpful to choose a treatment format that suits your personal philosophies. Many residential facilities, for example, include faith-based rehab programs; others may offer a form of animal-assisted therapy or a pet-friendly environment. Other centers may place a greater emphasis on family participation. With so many options, clients have a better chance of finding the right center for their unique set of needs. This can provide a measure of comfort during a challenging time.
7. Incorporated Complementary Therapies
According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), complementary therapies are non-mainstream therapy approaches7 that are used together with conventional treatments, such as talk therapy. If non-mainstream therapy is used instead of conventional medicine, it’s considered “alternative therapy.” The research shows that “most people who use non-mainstream also use conventional health care.”
Following are some examples of complementary therapies:
An important aspect of many residential rehabs is the incorporation of complementary therapies as an integral part of the treatment experience. Residential facilities that utilize these therapies recognize that this can help clients learn more about themselves by breaking old patterns and experiencing something new. Complementary therapies can integrate different aspects of a person’s thinking besides just the psychological component involved in talk therapy.
In some circumstances, talk therapy may not be as conducive to healing. Those who have experienced trauma, for example, may even risk becoming retraumatized by talking about their experiences. This is why, for example, many PTSD sufferers drop out of exposure-based therapy before seeing any results.
On the other hand, complementary therapies allow clients to access their emotions in a different, relaxing, or fun context. This can actually help them become more receptive to treatment. For example, art therapy can immerse you in the process of creative expression and open the door for breakthroughs that you may have never expected. These benefits can be a key part of the therapeutic experience and are part of the program at many residential treatment centers.
Complementary therapies are important for healing.
“In the wintertime, we’re able to go out and take advantage of skiing or snowshoeing and hiking in the mountains. In the summer we have activities like fly fishing and rafting, so that individually and together, clients can also have fun. Fun and play are super important to getting well.”
Whitney Armistead on All Points North’s hospitality team adds, “We offer a lot of holistic approaches to our clients’ healing process, including massage, Reiki, detox facials, a float tank; anything we can do to help our clients relax and help reset their bodies.”
Unplugging from your everyday surroundings for a time can be a wise choice in taking the first steps toward recovery. Making this significant life change requires time, focus, and the support of experienced treatment professionals.
Residential rehab can help by affording you the time and space you need to focus on getting well. This immersive environment provides a way to disconnect from potentially toxic relationships and surroundings, as well as important opportunities to share this journey with others who understand what you’re going through. And the complementary therapies and recovery-friendly facilities at residential treatment centers can provide enjoyable ways to access and heal new parts of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Rehab
What are the benefits of residential rehab?
Residential rehab offers several benefits:
• On-site detox at some centers • Round-the-clock support • A structured environment • A break from triggers • Access to medical professionals • Personalized treatment plans • Therapeutic activities • Peer support
These benefits enhance the chances of successful and long-lasting recovery.
What kind of treatment plans are offered in residential rehab?
Residential rehab offers treatment plans tailored to individual needs, although the level of personalization depends on the center. Treatment plans often include evidence-based therapies, individual and group therapy, and complementary therapies. Types of therapies and treatments vary based on the facility.
How does residential rehab provide 24/7 support?
Residential rehab provides round-the-clock support through a team of dedicated professionals. They offer continuous monitoring, guidance, and assistance. This level of support helps create a safe environment for individuals to navigate their recovery journey.
Substance use disorders can be extremely isolating. These conditions are often related to difficult relationships with family, friends, or colleagues. In some cases, challenging relationships encourage unhealthy behavior. On the other hand, even the healthiest of dynamics can be undermined by untreated mental health concerns. In both cases, many people find that building community is an important part of recovery. This process can begin during residential rehab.
When you first enter inpatient treatment, you may be struggling with the idea of community. During your time there, you can work on your interpersonal skills and begin to define or redefine what social support means to you. Different facilities take various approaches to this aspect of healing. You may be getting to know a cohort of your peers, staying in touch with far-away loved ones, attending groups, or all of the above. Whatever therapeutic modalities you use, you’ll likely learn how to relate to the people around you in a healthier way.
The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Relationships
Your illness is not your fault. It’s all too easy to blame yourself for factors outside of your control, including genetic predispositions and traumatic life experiences. No matter what, you are not to blame for simply having a substance use disorder. That being said, you can choose to change your behavior in ways that will make your relationships more sustainable. It can be very challenging to make those changes. But, with appropriate support, it is possible.
There is a complex association between social support and substance use disorders. For some clients, substance misuse feels like a solution to social isolation.1 On the other hand, previously healthy relationships may deteriorate when a person develops a substance use disorder. This often results in unsustainable social dynamics and interpersonal strife. Depending on how your community is structured, these difficulties may play out in a number of ways.
Family Dynamics
All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, offers different forms of family therapy including virtual options.
Research has established that substance use disorders strongly impact immediate family members.2 Spouses and children, in particular, may experience psychological effects. This can result in codependent relationships, in which one partner tries to support a person with a substance use disorder, but unintentionally enables them instead.
If your family is struggling with issues like these, it’s important to focus on how you can heal, both individually and as a group. Family therapy may be especially beneficial here. Reconnecting with your loved ones may have a direct impact on the outcome of treatment. Research has found that “family support in the intervention process3…contributes to a higher rate of recovery success among addicts.”
When you first begin healing—and especially if you start by attending inpatient rehab—you’ll probably take a break from certain relationships. And if there are people in your life who actively interfere with your recovery, your break from them might be permanent. One expert writes that even “thinking about people, places, and things associated with past [substance] use” may be associated with relapse.
As beneficial as it can be to let go of toxic dynamics, it can also be painful. Residential rehab can provide a buffer during this process. If you attend an inpatient program, you’ll be surrounded by trained professionals who have experience helping clients navigate this type of grief. In some programs, you’ll also be able to build relationships with the other people in your cohort.
At most residential rehab facilities, you’ll be in recovery alongside a group of your peers. Some rehabs have an especially strong focus on these relationships. The Hope House Scottsdale, for example, hosts no more than ten clients at a time. Brenna Gonzales, Clinical Director, describes this environment as “a tight-knit community.” These settings give you more time with your providers and may foster stronger relationships between clients themselves. And there are numerous ways to build relationships during inpatient treatment.
Group Therapy
In a group therapy setting, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your emotional experience in a protected environment. Some modalities encourage clients to speak directly to each other, offering insight and support during the session. And even if you’re instructed not to discuss much of your personal history during therapy—as is true in dialectical behavior therapy—you may still develop an emotional connection to the people around you.
Support Groups
Although more research is needed, “peer support groups included in addiction treatment5 show much promise in potentially reducing substance use.” Some programs include 12-Step groups, such as A.A. or N.A. Others offer non-12-Step support groups that serve a similar purpose, with a slightly different philosophy. Most of these groups are designed to help you connect with those who have similar life experiences. You may find that the people in your group can offer insights you simply wouldn’t reach in more traditional talk therapy.
Experiential Therapy
Sierra by the Sea in Newport Beach, California offers experiential therapies unique to their beachside location.
In experiential therapy, clients engage in a wide variety of activities, from skiing to visiting museums. Along with other therapeutic benefits, these experiences allow you to practice interpersonal skills in a new setting. For example, if you and your cohort go through a ropes course together, you may learn valuable lessons about communication, trust, and how to take risks in a healthy way.
Healing Past Relationships
Not every rehab will connect you with a cohort. Some facilities offer individual treatment, serving only one person at a time. This can be very important for well-known clients, who may require high levels of discretion in order to effectively begin healing. However, healing in private does not mean healing in isolation. These programs are extremely personalized, with treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Sometimes, that means staying in touch with your family, loved ones, and even your colleagues during treatment.
Family Therapy
Many rehab centers offer family therapy. “Family” may be defined in many ways, including people such as parents, children, partners, dear friends, and chosen family members. If this modality is right for you, you may participate in regular sessions, either in person or online. Some facilities also offer support groups that are only for family members, helping them heal from adverse experiences related to a loved one’s substance use disorder.
Family therapy isn’t right for everyone. Some clients may even decide to cut ties with family members to focus on recovery. There is no right or wrong way to approach this; only the way that works best for you. It’s important to remember that you get to decide who is part of your community. And if your family is included in that, they may be a valuable source of support both during and after rehab.
Forming a Sober Support Network
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab. At this stage, you’ll find yourself in a new environment, and therefore, within a new community. This community may be made up of your family and old friends, or it may be something you haven’t experienced before.
For example, before returning home, you may choose to spend time in a therapeutic (or sober living) community. These programs provide less structure than inpatient rehab, while still supporting a healthy lifestyle for people with substance use disorders. These environments can be helpful for people who do not have strong support networks to return to. As one expert writes about the value of community in recovery,6 “Individuals with substance abuse problems who are living in a collaborative housing setting will have their addiction treated more effectively than [those] not residing in a community-based facility.”
If and when you do return home, community will continue to be important. You may find support from 12-Step or similar support groups, which will allow you to connect with peers in your area. Many rehab programs also have strong alumni programs, through which you can stay connected with your cohort.
And as important as these programs are, they aren’t everything. After rehab, you’ll also start to create a life that feels rich and meaningful, without relying on substance use. You may engage in new hobbies, meet people with similar interests, and find healthy ways to have fun. This may sound frivolous, but in fact, it is an absolutely essential part of recovery. Research has shown that “increasing recovery-supportive social connections can have a profound benefit for achieving and maintaining abstinence.”7
The Effect of Community Support on Long-Term Recovery
When considering the importance of community for people recovering from substance use disorders, many researchers refer to a study conducted in the early 1980s, commonly known as “Rat Park.”8
In his study, researcher Brian Alexander began by giving rats free access to water laced with opiates. He found that when given a choice between plain water and drugged water, solitary rats would continue drinking the opiate solution until they overdosed. Another group of rats was placed in an enclosure he called Rat Park. As it was later described by journalist Johann Hari, this environment was “basically heaven for rats. They’ve got loads of cheese, they’ve got loads of colored balls, they’ve got loads of tunnels. Crucially, they’ve got loads of friends.” Faced with the same choice between drugged and pure water, none of the subjects in Rat Park overdosed.
The Rat Park experiment is not without flaws.10 Some experts critique it as an oversimplification. And indeed, this theory of substance misuse focuses only on the idea of a subject’s current environment. It ignores genetics, life history, and the effects of long-term stress, all of which can contribute to a person’s mental health. However, more robust research continues to support one of its findings: that strong communities can help guard against substance misuse.
One study, conducted in 2021, analyzed several social factors as potential risk and protective factors for substance misuse.11 Researchers found that “those with a greater number of close friends had more strengths and fewer barriers” to addiction recovery. This suggests that one’s relationships, and not just one’s environment, support the process of healing.
Recovering Your Relationship With the World Around You
Much like the process of recovery, building community takes time. Many clients enter rehab with much to learn about how to engage in healthy relationships. You may need to practice setting boundaries, expressing your needs, or navigating group dynamics. And as much progress as you might make during rehab, you’ll find yourself learning a whole new set of skills after treatment.
Remember that a strong community is more than a checkbox. It is a complex, living, breathing, changing group of people, all of whom relate to each other in unique ways. And as you reconsider your relationship with substances, you may also redefine what you need in your relationships with other people. Your support network might look very different after rehab than it did earlier in your life. And for some people, that can be extremely healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Community in Rehab
Why is building community important in the rehab process?
Building community in rehab fosters support, connection, and a sense of belonging. It creates a safe environment for patients to share experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other. Strong interpersonal relationships help support the healing process.
What are the benefits of peer support in rehab?
Peer support in rehab offers several benefits:
• Fosters mutual understanding and empathy • Enhances motivation and accountability • Creates a sense of shared journey • Provides inspiration • Reduces feelings of isolation • Increases the likelihood of long-term recovery
How is community built in rehab?
Community is built in rehab through various activities including group therapy, support groups, experiential therapy, outings, and shared responsibilities. These activities promote social interaction, communication, and collaboration. They foster a supportive environment for people to share and learn from one another.
During rehab, you’ll have the opportunity to take a step back from unhealthy habits. By creating space between yourself and your daily life, you can gain a new perspective. If you go to rehab in Mexico, that distance can be both physical and philosophical.
Many of Mexico’s luxury rehab centers take a holistic approach to healing. During your stay, you won’t just attend talk therapy; you might also change your eating habits, get physical exercise, or take up meditation. These programs may even offer medical treatments that aren’t available in most areas, such as ibogaine therapy.
When you consider the area’s vibrant culture and beautiful landscape, it’s easy to see why so many facilities emphasize healthy lifestyles. Luxury rehabs in Mexico take full advantage of these resources, offering clients the opportunity to explore the countryside during treatment.
Mexico Is More Than a Tropical Paradise
Many people think of Mexico as having a tropical climate.1 And indeed, more than half of the country is located south of the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, the weather in that area is temperate, varying little from one season to the next. However, depending on your elevation, the average daily temperature may be as high as 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) or as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). North of the tropics, in regions like Baja California and the Sonoran desert, temperatures vary more widely throughout the year.
The country has some highly populous areas, like Mexico City, as well as many rural destinations. While some rehab centers are close to downtown districts—and may even take their clients on shopping trips—most are located in remote areas. This gives clients the opportunity to retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and to commune with the natural world. In these programs, clients are often invited to explore the surrounding landscape, using experiential therapy as one mode of healing.
Depending on which program you attend, you may have access to a wide variety of seaside activities. At Twilight Recovery Center, for example, clients may go scuba diving. These experiences allow you to commune with nature while also getting exercise.
Mexico offers a variety of seaside activities, like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Substantial research supports the idea that exercise can benefit people in recovery from substance use disorders.3 While they may be physically challenging, these experiences are both safe and closely supervised. They also give you the opportunity to develop or improve a skill, build relationships with your cohort, and observe your own emotional responses in a new context.
For people who prefer not to engage in sports, there are many other ways to enjoy the beach. In some seasons, you may be able to go whale watching or witness the release of sea turtles. Some rehabs also take clients on fishing trips and boating tours. These experiences may be more accessible for some clients, depending on their physical condition.
This experience is “more than just a break from treatment.” It also lets you practice building relationships, without the pressure of connecting with other people. Many clients report that horses mirror their own behavior and emotions. This has important implications for people who are learning, or relearning, how to regulate difficult feelings in new contexts.
Hiking
Many rehab programs take their clients on regular excursions to visit naturally beautiful areas. Clients at Rē Precision Health, for example, may get the chance to explore waterfalls, beaches, and even the jungle.
Practitioners at this facility strongly believe in the healing effects of nature. This view is supported by a growing body of research, which demonstrates “significant associations between nature experiences and positive mental health outcomes”5 Like so many of the therapies available at Mexico’s rehabs, this holistic experience allows you to engage both body and mind.
This natural medicine, extracted from the African iboga shrub, “has great potential,” according to experts. “Small studies have suggested it can dramatically reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.”6 However, ibogaine is difficult to access in the United States. If you’re located in the U.S., and you’d like to use it to aid with recovery, you may have to travel abroad.
It’s especially easy to find ibogaine treatment in Mexico. Some rehab centers, like Iboga Quest, specialize in this type of therapy. Although the program is centered around ibogaine, it is offered in combination with well-known Western techniques. During the treatment process, clients are closely monitored by a medical team throughout the experience.
Clear Sky Recovery is another program offering this type of treatment. According to their team, the experience of ibogaine treatment may last for up to 24 hours, or sometimes even longer. During that time, the client enters a dreamlike state, and has the opportunity to relive core memories and gain new insight into their own psyche.
Ibogaine can be extremely effective for many clients. However, it “is not a miracle cure,” cautions Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal. “It is, however, an incredibly effective detox tool and an addiction interrupter.”
“The beauty of ibogaine is that it allows someone to resolve issues deep down.”
With or without the use of ibogaine, many treatment programs take a similarly holistic approach to wellness. For example, you might talk about core memories in therapy, or access a dreamlike state through mindful meditation. There are countless natural ways to delve deep into your emotional experience. And these techniques are easy to find in Mexico’s rehab centers.
Holistic Treatment in Mexico
Holistic recovery may incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques. Sometimes these methods are offered alongside evidence-based strategies. Some 12-Step programs even utilize holistic strategies alongside groups like A.A. and N.A. In other rehab centers, clients only engage in these natural methods instead of using more clinical strategies.
Natural Detox
Narconon Latin America, which is founded on the principles of Scientology, guides clients through an entirely drug-free detox process. This may be a good fit for clients who want to engage in total abstinence as part of recovery.
However, it’s important to note that this type of detox may not be physically safe for all clients. Make sure you check with your doctor before undergoing this type of treatment, to make sure it doesn’t represent a significant risk. Some clients may need to use prescription medications in order to stay healthy during detox and recovery.
If this detox style isn’t right for you, there are many other ways to use natural and holistic methods during recovery.
Mindfulness Practices
Several rehabs in Mexico teach mindfulness techniques, such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation. These activities may be integrated into your daily schedule, or they may be electives.
Mindfulness practices, such as yoga, are often incorporated into treatment programs at rehabs in Mexico.
These skills are known to improve attention, compassion, and resilience to stress. They are especially useful for people in recovery. Connecting to your current—and ever-changing—emotional state may help you consistently make healthy choices. This skill may become a lifelong practice that you continue long after completing in-patient treatment.
It’s extremely common for people with substance use disorders to experience nutrient deficiencies. However, “there is no special nutritional assessment or guidance” for people in recovery. To support your unique dietary needs, your team may help you develop a customized nutrition program,8 which will dictate your diet during residential treatment.
Life-Long Aftercare
Oceanica Treatment Center, in Sinaloa, Mexico, is a resort-like rehab that offers highly personalized treatment. Their program is tailored to meet your changing needs during every step of the recovery process—even after you finish inpatient treatment.
Most luxury rehabs help clients plan for aftercare, and some offer even more extensive aftercare services. Oceanica Treatment Center goes above and beyond. “Once clients finish the residential phase, weekly monitoring is provided via telephone. Monitoring includes contact with family members (if the client allows) and provides support during the recovery process. The aftercare program also has weekly therapeutic groups that are in person or virtual. This aftercare process lasts 6 months, but Oceanica maintains relationships with the graduates for a lifetime through virtual communication or in-person alumni get-togethers.”
Recovery is a lifelong process, and like any healing journey, it comes with ups and downs. This approach ensures that you’ll always have the support you need, even after you leave residential rehab.
Traveling to Rehab in Mexico
If you’ll be traveling internationally to attend rehab in Mexico, make sure you talk to your rehab program’s admissions team before planning the details of your trip. Regulations vary from country to country, and may also be based on your country of citizenship. Since 2020, travelers have been subject to even greater restrictions, which may continue to change significantly over short periods of time. It’s important to research local and federal regulations in advance. Note that different airlines also have their own safety protocols; make sure to choose one that meets your specific needs.
If you’re a U.S. citizen flying into Mexico, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport book; passport cards may not be accepted. If you’re traveling by car, you may need a special vehicle permit. This is subject to change depending on where you cross the border. You’ll also need to obtain a tourist visa if you plan to stay in the country for more than 180 days. Although this exceeds the length of most rehab programs, it may impact your plans for aftercare.
For people who are just beginning detox and recovery, it’s important to streamline the travel process as much as possible. In order to minimize these logistics, most rehab facilities offer transportation to and from the nearest airport. It’s best to work with the staff at your rehab facility to plan the details of your trip. Remember that even before you arrive at rehab, you’re allowed to ask for the help you need.
Mexico’s Rehabs Make Recovery Meaningful
The act of traveling to rehab empowers clients to gain a new perspective on their daily lives. Physical distance not only separates you from potentially difficult situations; it can also give you much-needed emotional space. In that space, you can learn more about your own needs, goals, and values in a brand-new context.
In Mexico, residential treatment will also teach you how to live well, naturally. Your time there may focus less on medical treatment and more on the skills you need to navigate the world without substance use. These techniques are intended to be sustainable, accessible, and tailored to support a lifestyle you love.
As powerful as holistic healing can be, it’s not the right strategy for everyone. Some clients may need more medical support during detox and recovery. Others may benefit from highly clinical therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If you have reason to think you’d benefit from this type of approach, holistic therapy may be ineffective, or even counterproductive.
You have nothing to prove by choosing one rehab facility over another. This is a time to focus on your own mental health, above almost anything else. No matter how much a certain philosophy appeals to you on paper, it may or may not actually be the appropriate way for you to approach healing. If natural wellness sounds like the best possible way for you to begin recovery, a rehab in Mexico is likely to be a good fit.
The cost of luxury rehab in Mexico depends on factors such as treatment duration, level of treatment, amenities, and more. Some rehabs cost under $10,000 for a 30-day program. A majority of Mexico luxury rehabs cost between $10,000 to $25,000. These offer upscale amenities, luxurious accommodations, and highly specialized treatment.
What types of addiction treatment are available in luxury rehabs in Mexico?
Addiction treatment in Mexico covers the full spectrum of care. You can find detoxification programs, residential rehabs, outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and sober living. Many programs offer a range of treatments, including individual and group therapy, holistic approaches, complementary therapies like equine therapy, 12-step programs, family counseling, and aftercare planning to promote long-term recovery.
The transition from an addiction treatment program to daily life is a fundamental step in the recovery journey. Many people can feel overwhelmed and isolated during this time. These feelings are normal—you’re navigating new territory and adjusting to a new lifestyle.
To make the adjustment period more manageable, some luxury treatment centers will set you up with a support system as part of their continuing care program. Another way to bolster your support network is with a sober coach, also known as a recovery coach. Many sober coaches are affiliated with rehab centers or hospitals. However, some work with free-standing organizations, or as private practitioners.
Sober coaches can help you feel less isolated, hold you accountable and offer advice and guidance to ensure sustainable recovery as you return to life outside treatment.
A sober coach may be a good option if you want a more hands-on relationship with a non-clinical professional who can guide you through this particularly sensitive stage. Keep in mind that a sober coach is not a replacement for other parts of your continuing care program. Rather, they supplement aspects of continuing care and offer support that some people may need for long-term recovery.
Since sober coaching is a relatively new position in addiction treatment, we explore how their role is defined and ways in which they can support your recovery.
What Is a Sober Coach?
The recovery journey doesn’t stop when a rehab program ends. In more recent years, we’ve seen a rise in new peer-based recovery support services1 that has stemmed from the need to provide people with extra support as they transition from a formal treatment program into their natural environment. A growing number of peer-based recovery support services and new roles have been designed to assist people during that transition period and help them maintain long-term sobriety. One of those roles is a sober coach.
Sober coaches can have many different titles, including recovery coach, recovery manager, recovery mentor, recovery guide and more. Their role remains the same: to provide someone with “non-clinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders.”2
Unlike clinical professionals, sober coaches don’t need to have formally acquired credentials. Instead, sober coaches draw on experiential knowledge and expertise3 to help clients achieve and maintain lasting sobriety. Their knowledge generally comes from their own addiction recovery experiences or from helping others recover.
Generally, a sober or recovery coach offers the four following types of support:
Emotional Support
Emotional support includes anything that addresses your emotional concerns. This could range from inspirational coaching to empathetic listening and encouragement.
Informational Support
Sober coaches can connect you with resources and information that benefit your recovery, like learning a new life skill or developing new coping strategies for dealing with challenges.
Instrumental Support
This includes assistance with concrete, practical tasks like finding housing and employment.
Affiliational Support
A sober coach can help you connect with others who can bolster your recovery journey. This might take place through events,activities, or online or in-person communities.
The Difference Between Sober Coaches and Sober Companions
There are several roles that involve helping people maintain long-term recovery beyond inpatient rehab. It’s important to clarify the distinction between them, to ensure you look for the right type of guidance.
A common misunderstanding is that sober coaches are like sober companions. However, their roles are markedly distinct.
Sober Coaches (or Recovery Coaches)
A sober coach is a hired, non-clinical professional who supports your long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Most have been through recovery themselves and are trained on how to help others through the journey. Sessions with your recovery coach occur on a regular basis and are held via phone, online or even onsite at your treatment center.
Sober Companions
A sober companion is generally more involved in your daily life than a sober coach. They will accompany you throughout your day as necessary, to ensure you have the support and accountability you may need to prevent a relapse.
Noosa Confidential in Queensland, Australia offers sober coaching as part of the aftercare portion of their programming.
A sober coach could be a good fit for you if you don’t have a strong support network, live in an environment with many triggers, or need additional help with daily life. Some people can benefit from having a sober coach in more than one stage of their recovery journey.
The Pre-Decision Stage
Before you make a decision to enter residential treatment, a sober coach can help you take this big step. They can ensure you feel less isolated through the process and assist with finding a rehab that suits your needs. Once you’ve found a program, they can guide you through the entry process.
During Treatment
A sober coach who supports you during a rehab program takes on a slightly different role. They are an advocate and will help you foster life skills for lasting sobriety. For example, Hope Rehab Center in Thailand has a treatment model that includes exposure therapy, wherein clients are taken on excursions to experience the outside world. Their on-site sober coach supports you during these encounters to help you handle real emotions that may come up during life after rehab.
Aftercare
A number of luxury addiction treatment centers across the globe offer sober coaching as part of their aftercare program. Oftentimes, sober coaches that work with rehab centers reflect the same level of care, support and privacy your addiction treatment program offers.
Australia has a number of treatment programs with sober coaches as part of their aftercare, including Noosa Confidential in Sunshine Coast and The Banyans in Brisbane.
It’s important to keep in mind that while sober coaches offer valuable support and life skills for sobriety, they should not replace the care you’ll receive from healthcare professionals and therapists during primary treatment and aftercare.
The Difference Between Sober Coaches and Other Addiction Treatment Professionals
Sober coaches are relatively new in addiction treatment and can perform many different roles in someone’s recovery,6 which sometimes leads to role ambiguity.
The public still holds some confusion about the responsibilities of sober coaches compared to other addiction treatment professionals. However, there are established differences as outlined in the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center’s guidelines for ethical peer-based recovery support.7 It’s important to understand these distinctions to make sure you’re looking for the right professional for your needs.
Sober coaches are not healthcare professionals.
Unlike doctors, nurses, or psychiatrists, most recovery coaches don’t have medical degrees. Their role is never to diagnose you or provide you with medical advice or care.
Instead, a sober coach helps you remove potential roadblocks that might prevent you from seeing a medical professional. For example, they can help you find the right medical professional, or drive you to your appointment.
Sober coaches are not social workers or addiction counselors.
Unlike social workers and addiction counselors, sober coaches take on a more informal role and aren’t required to have a degree in social work or formal credentials in counseling.
Whereas addiction counselors are discouraged from self-disclosure, or using their personal experience to connect with clients, sober coaches are encouraged to share their personal experiences with you. They act as your confidant.
If you need professional help from a social worker or an addictions counselor, your sober coach will help you get in touch with them.
Sober coaches are not sponsors.
Unlike with sponsors, you and your sober coach don’t uphold each other’s sobriety. Some sober coaches haven’t struggled with addiction before, but are there to support you, especially during sensitive transition periods.
A relationship with a sober coach is more like that of a mentor and a mentee, or a personal trainer with their client.
Oceanside Malibu in Malibu, California offers recovery coaching as part of their aftercare program.
How to Find the Right Sober Coach for You
Most sober coaches work in affiliation with recovery centers and hospitals. However, some work with free-standing organizations or as private practitioners.
Since sober coaches don’t need to have formally acquired credentials, it’s important to take extra precautions when searching for one, especially if you plan to look outside of your rehab program.
If you’re unsure where to start, you could ask recovery centers during an initial phone call if they have any referrals for reputable sober coaches. If you’re already seeing a therapist, you could ask if they have any recommendations for you.
How to Search for Rehab Center-Affiliated Sober Coaches
1. Check the addiction treatment center’s reputation and credibility. Doing this as the first step gives you a good idea of the level of expertise a rehab center would expect from its employees and affiliates.
Reputation Check
Read through the rehab center’s online review. You can also ask around to see if they’re in good standing with other healthcare providers or treatment facilities.
2. Ask the addiction treatment center for sober coach options. After you’ve found a reputable rehab center you trust, ask them for referrals of sober coaches. Usually, you would have gone through an initial phone call with an admissions specialist first. They’ll ask general background questions, including questions about your medical history, substance use history and family history.
Once they have a better understanding of your situation, they will give recommendations for different sober coaches. You can compare their backgrounds and even go through an initial phone call with them to find a sober coach that best matches your needs.
How to Search for a Private Sober Coach
If your addiction treatment program doesn’t offer sober coaching, you can hire a private sober coach to help you at any point in your recovery journey. Much like rehab centers, there are certain markers you should look out for to ensure you hire a credible, reputable sober coach who matches your needs.
1. Ask people you trust.
You can start your search by asking people you trust if they have any recommendations for sober coaches. This could be your therapist, psychiatrist or even your doctor.
2. Check the sober coach’s reputation, accreditations and affiliations.
Important to note: there’s no professional, independent governing body that offers accreditations to sober coaches.
Many private sober coaches have a website. It’s recommended to look through them and use these indicators to check whether the sober coach is reputable and has the level of expertise you’re looking for:
Online reviews—These give you a general idea of a private sober coach’s reputation.
Feedback—Reach out to people who have used that sober coach’s service and ask for their feedback.
Relevant qualifications—Some credentials to look out for include psychiatric, medical, or social work accreditations or degrees. Keep in mind that if a sober coach doesn’t have the degrees listed above, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not qualified.
Work experience—Check a sober coach’s work background to see how many years they’ve been a practicing coach and if they have experience with others in similar situations as yours.
Affiliation with treatment centers or hospitals—Check the qualifications of the centers they’ve partnered with to give yourself an idea of their credibility and professionalism.
Sober Coaches Offer the Extra Support Many People Need for Long-Term Recovery
Adjusting to life after rehab can feel like a difficult prospect. As you journey to create a healthy, substance-free lifestyle, there are resources and tools you can turn to that help make the adjustment easier.
For many people, sober coaches are a pillar to lean on and offer invaluable support they need for long-term recovery. The relationship is often grounded in trust, health and wellness, which is why finding the right person is so important.
Many established rehabs either have referrals for sober coaches or have sober coaching as part of their program. To get your search started, browse our collection of luxury rehabs that offer sober coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Coaches
What is a sober coach?
A sober coach, also known as a recovery coach, provides supportive assistance to people in long-term recovery. They supplement other aspects of continuing care and can help with setting recovery goals, developing action plans, finding new peers, improving job skills, exploring new hobbies, and finding sober housing.
What’s the difference between sober coaches and sober companions?
A sober coach is a non-clinical professional who supports long-term addiction recovery. They provide regular assistance through phone, online, or in-person sessions. A sober companion, on the other hand, is more involved in a client’s daily life, providing support and accountability to prevent relapse and accompanying them throughout the day as needed.
How can I find a sober coach?
To find a sober coach, follow these steps: 1. Check the reputation and credibility of the addiction treatment center you are associated with. 2. Ask the treatment center for referrals of sober coaches. Compare their backgrounds and have an initial phone call with them to find a match. 3. If your treatment program doesn’t offer sober coaching, you can hire a private sober coach. Ask trusted professionals like therapists or doctors for recommendations and check their reputation, qualifications, work experience, and affiliations with treatment centers or hospitals.
While rehab is a place to begin recovery, it’s only the first step in a long journey. During your program, you’ll start learning how to build a better life. This carefully curated environment may include individual and group therapy, recreational activities, and medical treatment. Most rehab programs are designed to temporarily protect you from external stressors, including work and family obligations. Without those concerns, you can dig deep into healing, developing sustainable tools to use in the future.
Think of your time in rehab as an intensive retreat. This is a crash course. It isn’t meant to be temporary. The goal is not to stay in rehab forever, but instead to learn new skills that you can put to use after leaving the program. And, best of all, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many resources available to people transitioning out of residential rehab.
Post-Treatment Challenges
It’s natural to be concerned about your transition out of rehab and back into the wider world. Without the structure of the program, you can expect to encounter both new and established triggers on a more frequent basis. You may also be returning to difficult circumstances. For example, you and your therapist might discover that work stress prior to rehab was interfering with your mental health. If that’s true, you may be planning to change jobs soon after you return home. Situations like this one can be stressful even in the best of times.
Every person’s experience of rehab is different, but recent graduates tend to have a few common concerns. Before you finish the program, it can be helpful to plan around how you’ll navigate the following:
Relationships and Community
Many people go to rehab when they realize they need more care than they’re getting from their loved ones. Because of this, it’s common for alumni to return home to difficult dynamics. You have to let go of unhealthy relationships in order to prioritize your own healing process. Without the structure of your program and the in-person support of your recovery peers, it can be hard to maintain those boundaries.
Healing takes time. That’s true for the body, the mind, and also for relationships. Many programs offer family therapy, so your loved ones can begin healing even before you return home. This work not only affects your familial dynamic; it can also have a positive impact on your and your loved ones’ other relationships. Ryan Soave, the Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, says “…often when we do family work, the families get better. We also find that they get better in their lives outside of the family.
However, family therapy is just one part of rehab. They may have attended weekly sessions, but you’ll have gone through a much more intensive program. You may find that you have more tools for emotion regulation than the people around you. Be patient with them, and with yourself, as you learn how to relate to each other during this new stage of your process.
Relapse
From the moment you arrive at rehab, you’ll begin preparing for the possibility of relapse. Healing isn’t always a linear process, and this is an area of concern for many people in recovery. As such, your team of providers can help you plan ahead. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, offers a clear description of this issue. “There’s a term called ‘post-treatment crash,’” Gerber says, “which is a quite familiar term to everybody working in addiction treatment. No matter how successful and intensive the treatment has been, without the proper care and company after leaving treatment, there are risks for relapse.”
Leaving rehab is stressful. And if substance use has been your primary way of coping with stress up to this point, you may have the urge to fall back into old patterns during this transition. Instead of engaging in unhealthy behavior, it’s important to stay focused on yourself and your goals. Having a clear and specific plan for aftercare can make that much easier. Even before you return home, you can start researching aftercare options to support you in life after rehab.
AspenRidge Recovery in Lakewood, Colorado provides a comfortable sober living environment for clients attending their intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is an essential component of recovery. In most rehab facilities, this is a major focus of the program; clients often have daily one-on-one sessions, in addition to group sessions and other activities. Individual therapy is one of the most effective ways to heal from any mental health issue, including substance use. It’s highly recommended for people in recovery to continue individual therapy even after transitioning out of inpatient care.
Therapy offers a private, confidential space where you can explore your emotional experience. Because your emotional life changes over time, this isn’t a quick process. It takes time to process your past, learn to navigate the present, and plan for the future. Many people attend therapy for years, or throughout their lives. Like rehab, therapy is a tool to kickstart the healing process. However, therapy is also important for the maintenance of your mental health regardless of where you are in your recovery journey.
You may or may not be able to continue seeing the same therapist you saw during rehab after you leave the program. Most therapists are only licensed to practice in certain locations. Because of this, people who travel to attend rehab will almost certainly need to find a new therapist once they leave. Some therapists are able to offer telehealth services, or sessions on a remote basis. If you’d like to continue seeing the same provider after you return home, make sure to check with them before you leave to find out if that’s possible.
Finding the right therapist for you can be a long and even arduous process. The therapist-client dynamic works best when your provider has an intuitive sense of your needs, goals, and values. What’s more, not every therapist has experience in treating addiction. If you have additional concerns, you may need a provider who has other competencies as well. For example, a therapist who specializes in working with teenagers might not be a good fit for someone in their 40’s. Remember that you’re allowed to shop around. You can research a provider’s credentials before reaching out, and you can ask to have an initial trial session before committing to a longer process. It’s ideal to begin looking for a therapist before you leave rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are one step down from residential treatment. These programs allow you to live off-site—usually either at home or in a sober living environment—while undergoing intensive therapy at a hospital or rehab center. An IOP or PHP might be right for you if you need significant support during the transition out of rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
If you participate in an IOP, you will live at home, on your own, or in a sober living environment, but you will attend the clinical program several days a week. Each of these programs is unique, but most of them include 10 or more hours of group and individual therapy per week. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lays out specific guidelines for IOPs,1 stating that “IOP services may incorporate other in-house treatment and peer services, encourage clients’ attendance at mutual-support groups, and collaborate with local community providers to secure needed services (e.g., medication-assisted treatment, psychological assessments, vocational rehabilitation services, and trauma-specific treatment).”
IOPs offer a gentle transition out of rehab. AspenRidge Recovery, a facility in Colorado, describes this type of program as “a safe and accountable way [for clients] to test their skills in real-world situations while still having a supportive team to rely upon.” You’ll continue to have a team of healthcare providers at your fingertips, as well as access to a cohort of people who are also in recovery. Your time on-site is intended to help you process the experiences you have outside of rehab and in between therapy sessions.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs are similar to IOPs, but clients spend more time in the program. If you attend a PHP, you’ll spend the majority of each day in treatment, and only go home at night. This is a good option for people who need to be closely monitored by healthcare providers, but have some responsibilities they can’t simply put on pause, like family or schoolwork. You can attend a PHP after rehab, or choose this type of program instead of 24/7 treatment.
Pillars Recovery, a rehab in California, recommends PHPs to clients who can’t afford inpatient rehab. They also offer clients the option of staying in a sober living environment during the program. Depending on your insurance, one of these options may be more accessible than a more traditional stay at a rehab facility.
Sober Living Environments
A sober living environment hosts residents who are adjusting to the rhythm of life without substance use. They are safe environments with clear rules and regulations, but far less structured than inpatient rehab programs. While you may choose to attend therapy during your time there, those sessions would likely take place off-site and through a different program. The goal of your stay in a sober living environment is to transition out of intensive treatment into a more flexible schedule.
Many sober living environments will only admit clients who have already completed a residential treatment program. Some, however, are available to people recovering from a number of concerns, and not only from substance use.
Unlike inpatient rehab, sober living offers you the opportunity to socialize and set your own schedule. You may have access to planned outings, a library of relevant materials, and other activities, such as yoga and meditation. You’ll likely be required to attend regular meetings, such as 12-step meetings, that support your new lifestyle.
Some kinds of healing can only be accomplished alone or in therapy. Other kinds of healing can only be achieved in a community. As you transition out of inpatient treatment, it’s important to take the skills you developed in rehab and put them into practice in your daily life.
Pillars Recovery in Newport Beach, California offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and day treatment (PHP) for clients wanting to step down to transitional living for a structured, healthy lifestyle post-rehab.
Support Groups
Support groups are a valuable resource for people in recovery, both during and after therapy. These settings allow you to learn from other people with similar life experiences, and gain insights you might not have access to in individual therapy. Catherine Ulrich Milliken, Program Director of McLean Borden Cottage, explains that attending groups is “an important part of recovery, and the evidence shows that it’s a good, helpful component. It’s another way to be connected to a community. It’s another place of accountability. It’s another place for support. It’s the roof on the house of sobriety – making sure people engage in a spiritual component.”
Various support groups are available in most areas. Most aftercare programs—such as IOPs and PHPs—will provide facilitated sessions on-site. However, most of these groups are easily accessible to anyone.
If you’re living independently, don’t be afraid to try out a few groups before you decide which one(s) you’d like to attend regularly. The specific people in your group have a huge impact on the experience. You may find that you really connect with the people who attend a certain meeting on Wednesday nights, but you don’t have much in common with the people who go to the same group on Fridays. Rehab alumni often find it helpful to attend more than one group; some people even go to at least one session every day after leaving inpatient treatment. These groups are offered in a wide variety of styles, giving you the freedom to choose which philosophy works best for you.
12-Step Groups
In 12-Step support groups, participants follow 12 clearly defined steps toward recovery. These steps were originally defined by Alcoholics Anonymous, and over time, numerous similar groups have branched off. All over the world, it’s now possible to find local chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Pills Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Workaholics Anonymous, and more. While these different groups use slight variations on the original 12 Steps, they all share a similar philosophy.
Most 12-Step meetings open with a reading or a prayer. After that, members may be invited to share their stories, or to engage in a group conversation. Every group’s format is a little different, based on the specific needs and goals of the participants and facilitators.
Sponsorship is an important component of the 12-Step program. A sponsor is someone who has been attending the group for some time, who feels ready to volunteer to work closely with newer members. When you form a relationship with a sponsor, you’ll connect with them outside of group meetings, possibly through regular conversations or other activities. This allows you to learn from their experience, strategize ways to achieve your own goals, and stay on track as you continue to heal. Depending on your specific sponsor, you may even be able to call them at a moment’s notice when you’re having a hard time.
12-Step groups have a strong focus on faith. While all are welcome, much of the literature references a higher power, and sometimes even a Christian God. These groups are a good fit for people who want to develop a spiritual practice, and they may be less effective for those who don’t. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other 12-Step groups are some of the best-known support groups for people in recovery, but they’re far from the only options.
Other Support Groups
If the 12 Steps aren’t right for you, there are many other established support groups you can join. For example, SMART Recovery groups focus on self-empowerment and behavioral health. Their 4-Point Program2 encourages members to prioritize the following goals:
Building and maintaining the motivation to change
Coping with urges to use
<anaging thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way
Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life
Groups are led by trained facilitators, who may or may not have personal histories of substance use. This abstinence-oriented program is founded in science rather than faith.
LifeRing Secular Recovery is another secular group, with a similar focus on personal growth. They espouse the 3S philosophy, “Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.” Members give and receive support from each other in each meeting, but unlike 12-Step programs, do not engage in sponsorship. Instead, this organization teaches that “you know what’s needed in your life3 and what has to be abandoned. You know what triggers cravings and what provides healthy and strengthening pleasure. You know the path you want to be on and you are the only person who can figure out how best to get there.” Participants are encouraged to make their own choices, and to creatively build a life that makes them happy.
Social Interest Groups
As important as it is to see a therapist and connect with your peers, there’s more to healing than processing complex emotions. Recovery is also an opportunity for joy. As you begin to live a more sustainable life, you’ll naturally find healthier ways of relating to the world.
After completing inpatient treatment, many people find joy in taking up new hobbies and learning new skills. Joining a special interest group can support that process. You may even want to continue working on something you started during rehab. For example, if you loved your time in art therapy, you might enroll in a painting class. Pursuing these activities can keep you grounded as you go forward, and may even remind you of positive experiences you had during treatment.
There are meet-up and affinity groups for almost any interest you might have. You can join a knitting circle, take a philosophy class, or start playing softball. It can be especially helpful to connect with people in person, instead of only engaging through social media. Forming relationships with people who share your interests but not necessarily your struggles can also be a helpful reminder that you are a complex, multi-faceted person. There’s far more to you than just your challenges.
Just as there are lessons you can learn in group therapy that would never come up in a one-on-one session, there are also valuable experiences you can only have outside of therapy. In an affinity group, you can learn about social dynamics and problem solving in entirely new contexts. You can also create new memories, develop a sense of accomplishment, and find ways to have fun without substances! These are the experiences that make life in recovery meaningful.
Charting a Course After Treatment
Recovery is the process of creating a life you don’t need to escape. Rehab can give you the tools to begin that process, but it’s up to you to follow through after you leave treatment. Maintaining your health isn’t just about giving up destructive habits; it’s about replacing them with positive ones.
The map is not the territory. During rehab, you’ll start to define what kind of life you want. After primary treatment, you can begin actively moving toward that life. This process can sometimes be messy and surprising, but it can also be highly rewarding.
No matter what, you don’t have to do it alone. All of these strategies—individual and group therapy, support groups, and social groups—invite you to connect with people who want to see you succeed. Making those connections is the first step toward a better life after rehab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Continuing Care
What can I expect after leaving rehab?
After leaving rehab, you can expect to face new and existing triggers in the wider world. It’s important to plan around navigating relationships, maintaining boundaries, and addressing post-treatment challenges. This is especially true if you’re returning to difficult circumstances. Remember to get sufficient support in place before leaving treatment, and be patient with yourself and others as you adapt to this new stage of your recovery journey.
Should I continue individual therapy after leaving rehab?
Yes, individual therapy is highly recommended even after transitioning out of inpatient care. It provides a private space to explore your emotional experience and continue your healing journey. Therapy helps with emotional processing, navigating the present, and planning for the future. Finding the right therapist may take time, so it’s ideal to start looking for one before you leave rehab.
What continuing options are available after completing residential rehab?
After completing residential rehab, most patients use some combination of stepped-down care options. These include intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOPs), sober living, support groups, and virtual therapy. These provide ongoing support, structure, and community as you transition from residential rehab to daily life.
If you’re hesitant about calling an addiction treatment center for the first time, you’re not alone. We understand how it can feel like another hurdle to clear on your way to getting reliable residential care.
But whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or for a loved one, and whether you’ve researched inpatient rehab centers for weeks or not at all, that initial phone call is the first step to actively getting help. Plus, talking to an admissions specialist will help you determine if a particular treatment facility is the right fit for you.
Knowing what to expect when you get on the phone with a rehab center can give you the confidence you need to make that first call. Keep reading to learn more about inquiring at a residential treatment center.
Who Answers the Phone?
When you call a rehab center, you’ll talk to an intake or admissions specialist. Sometimes a receptionist will answer first and redirect your call.
It’s important to know that, in general, a rehab’s admissions staff performs the same functions as a sales team. Their job is to sell their rehab center’s treatment to potential clients. Yes, they want you to get the help you need, but typically they want you to get that help through their program. This is especially true if you call a hotline that’s trying to refer you to a rehab center for a fee.
Residential rehab admissions staff are usually trained to help people going through various mental, emotional, and physical struggles when they call. And all rehab staff should have ethical standards for interacting with potential clients and helping them get the treatment they need.
Still, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive unbiased information when calling a treatment center. Knowing which questions to ask, and what questions to be prepared to answer, will empower you to get the facts you need and to determine for yourself if the rehab you’re calling is really the right one for you.
What Happens When You Call?
Usually, the admissions specialist will begin the call with a series of questions to learn more about you, your medical and substance use history, and your current condition. This series of questions is often referred to as an “initial assessment,” and is quite standard between different facilities. Initial assessments usually occur via telephone. But you can also do it in-person if you visit a rehab center to see their facilities.
Note: This initial admissions assessment is different from your check-in assessment, which is a much more in-depth evaluation performed by licensed mental health professionals and medical staff when you arrive at an inpatient facility for your stay.
The purpose of the rehab intake assessment1 is for the center to determine what level of care you need and any logistics that need to be arranged for your treatment. As the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes, this assessment helps “pinpoint places where there are—or may be—concerns.”
Having an in-depth conversation about your background and concerns also allows the rehab to determine which standard length of stay is appropriate for you and if their core program needs to be adjusted to meet any of your specific needs. For example, if you’re struggling with sex addiction and not a substance use disorder, you might be scheduled to join Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meetings instead of Narcotics Anonymous meetings during your stay.
During your intake assessment you’ll also have the chance to ask any additional questions you have, like details about the center’s facilities or specific therapies offered. And remember—everything discussed during this phone call is to help you decide if the rehab center is the best match for you.
Basic Questions Inpatient Rehab Centers May Ask
When you call a rehab, the questions you’re asked may vary slightly from center to center. This is because each addiction treatment center’s intake questions1 “depend on the types of clients treated and the kinds of services offered,” as explained in a SAMHSA report on Treatment Improvement Protocol.
No matter who you call, you’ll probably be asked to share most of the same general information. This includes your basic demographics and background, your medical and family history, and your substance use history.
According to another SAMHSA report on Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders, you should also be prepared to discuss any “medical issues (including physical disability and sexually transmitted diseases), cultural issues, gender-specific and sexual orientation issues, and legal issues,” which will further aid the treatment matching and planning process.2Rehabs may ask you questions about the following topics:
Basic demographics and background
How old are you?
Where are you from?
What is your racial and ethnic identity?
What is your gender and sexual identity?
What, if any, is your religious background?
Do you actively follow any religious practices?
Medical history
Do you have any current or past physical health conditions (like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Do you have any current or past mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Have you had any major or minor surgeries?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications due to these surgeries?
What are your current and past prescription medications?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Family history
Do/did any of your parents have problems with alcohol or other drug use?
Does your partner have a problem with alcohol or drug use?
Do any of your second- or third-degree family members have a history of substance or alcohol use disorders?
Do your relatives have any other notable physical or psychological conditions?
Substance use history
What substances do you currently use?
What substances have you used in the past, but are no longer using?
How long have you been using substances and/or alcohol?
Do you have any co-occurring conditions or dual diagnoses?
Are you, or have you ever taken any prescription medications to treat substance or alcohol use disorder?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Even if you don’t have the answers to all these questions, or some of them are difficult to discuss, understanding your complete personal and family history is the starting point of addiction treatment.1“The assessment examines a client’s life in far more detail so that accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment placement, problem lists, and treatment goals can be made,” explains the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in a SAMHSA report. “Usually, a clinical assessment delves into a client’s current experiences and her physical, psychological, and sociocultural history to determine specific treatment needs.”
After discussing your general background and history, you’ll have the chance to ask any of your questions about rehab in general and about that facility’s staff, policies, and programs in particular.
What to Ask a Residential Rehab Center
Before your first phone call with any rehab center, it’s a good idea to write up a list of questions you want to ask. In addition to helping you feel even more prepared, this ensures you’ll get all of the information you need to make an educated decision about your treatment.
You may have more questions than those listed below, but these are a good starting point to help you make the most out of your call.
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Basics
How much does treatment cost?
“How much is this going to cost me?” is the first question on most people’s minds when they call a rehab center. Knowing the costs of treatment upfront will allow you to financially prepare for inpatient rehab, which in turn can give you the mental clarity to fully focus on your recovery while you’re in treatment.
In the United States, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance policies to cover up to a certain level of treatment. Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions at Gallus Detox Center in Colorado, explains that coverage “depends on each individual’s policy and what their out-of-network benefits are. We run a verification of benefits for every patient that has insurance to see what we’re able to cover.”
“We also have self-pay rates that are guaranteed, regardless of what they may need during their stay. They don’t get back bills when they’re with us: the cost is the cost.”
Many people seeking treatment want to get the help they need as soon as possible. Because of the extensive number of treatment centers available, waitlists are generally not common in the U.S. But in Europe and Australia, where relatively fewer luxury rehabs are sought after by those wanting top-quality treatment, having to wait to check into treatment can be a real concern.
Because addiction is by nature an urgent issue, whether a center has a waitlist or not may determine if you can, or want to, attend treatment at that facility. Knowing this information right away can save some time in making your decision.
Tell me more about your center’s treatment philosophies and modalities.
The path to recovery is an incredibly personal journey: What works for one person may or may not work for another. That’s why so many different methods are used to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Faith-based, 12-Step, non-12-Step, and holistic rehabs are examples of rehab treatment approaches that underpin entire programs and may appeal to different types of people. Meanwhile, treatment modalities, or therapies, can range from conventional, such as talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to complementary therapies like art therapy and adventure therapy, to name a few.
The best treatment options for you will depend on your past treatment experiences, your substance use history, and even your personal interests. Maybe you already know what kinds of treatment methods you’re interested in trying or continuing. Or perhaps having a variety of modalities is important so you can try something new or discover your preferences.
Learn this information so you can reflect on whether the center’s overall approach resonates with you, whether you’re interested in doing any of the particular therapies, and to decide if the treatment philosophies align with your personal beliefs.
How qualified is your staff?
Knowing who will be helping you throughout your time in treatment is just as important as knowing what modalities are used. These staff-related questions will help you get a clearer picture of the people overseeing your treatment:
What kind of professionals will I be interacting with on a day-to-day basis?
Who will be on my treatment team?
What are their qualifications?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Details of Your Stay
What types of clientele does your program serve? Do you offer the specific specialized services I need?
These two questions are important for several reasons:
Some rehab centers are tailored to the particular needs of specific clientele. There are luxury rehabs that cater to executives and wouldn’t be appropriate for teens, for example.
If you identify with ethnic or sexual minority groups you may require specific resources to address your minority experiences. For example, a transgender person may have trauma around their lived experiences and would likely need an LGBTQ+ affirming environment to safely process this during treatment.
There may be other specialized services that you know you need for a successful treatment experience, such as co-occurring disorder treatment or trauma-informed care.
Whether or not these apply to you, asking this question helps you make sure the rehab center can adequately serve you. In addition to having resources to address certain experiences, the main value of being in a program with similar clientele is that this can create an atmosphere of collective safety and comfort that allows you to do vulnerable therapy and group work.
Do you offer on-site detox?
Some people require detox before they begin inpatient treatment. And some residential rehab centers, like Cypress Lakes Lodge and Camino Recovery, are equipped with the facilities and medical staff necessary to offer detox services on-site. Alternatively, other centers may offer detox off-site through partnerships with local medical facilities.
There are different settings for detox treatment and varying levels of care,3 which is why you should discuss if the rehab center can provide you with the appropriate detox program. If needed, detox is an essential step in beginning treatment. In a report on detoxification, SAMHSA describes that “this phase of treatment frequently requires a greater intensity of services initially to establish participation in treatment activities and […] increase the patient’s readiness for and commitment to substance abuse treatment.”
Please remember that when done incorrectly or on your own, detox can be potentially harmful to both your physical and mental health. Because of this, it’s important to consult with your physician or a qualified medical professional when making any decisions about detox.
What does the initial check-in assessment include?
Most addiction treatment centers will carry out additional in-person physical and psychological assessments when you first arrive. The more extensive these check-in assessments are, the better, because this information is used to determine your treatment program.
“What we find a lot of times is people come to us with multiple comorbidities, very complex situations, so we use an intensive assessment center to fill out our continuum of care,” says Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge. “We firmly believe there has to be multiple options for people who require treatment, so they can plug in where their needs are.”
How many clinical hours does your program include?
A key indicator of a rehab center’s value is how many individual therapy sessions you’ll actually receive per week. The more time you get to spend with your counselors and therapists, the more help you’re directly receiving. Some treatment programs consist mainly of group therapy sessions, while others include more one-on-one time with practitioners. Asking about program details like this upfront can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive.
What are the center’s policies and expectations with regards to contacting loved ones? To what extent am I allowed to use my laptop or cell phone?
Relationships with your partner, family, and friends are an essential part of your life and recovery. Don’t let fear of not knowing whether you’ll be able to maintain your relationships with your partner and/or family be the roadblock that stops you from getting help.
If relationships are an important factor for you, ask the center what their outside device or communications policies are:
To what extent is my family going to be brought into treatment?
Do you have a family program? If so, what does this look like?
Will my partner/family be able to visit?
Am I going to be able to maintain my relationships while I’m in treatment?
Will I be able to video call or chat with my loved ones?
Will I be allowed to use my personal device for these calls?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—Important Facts About Aftercare
Is it possible for me to extend my stay if necessary?
Most inpatient rehab programs have set lengths of stay that typically range from 30 to 90 days. Your admissions specialist can help you determine what length of stay is appropriate for you. Still, you never know what’s going to happen and if you’ll feel fully prepared to check out once you’ve reached the benchmark time spent in treatment. And while most centers are happy to allow clients to extend their stay, if yours is waitlisted, this may present an issue. It’s helpful to know whether your center allows their clients to continue receiving residential treatment if required.
What kind of continuing care, if any, is provided?
Most people require ongoing support and care after their stay at a residential rehab. “What happens after treatment is probably the most important question about treatment, because that’s what people go back to after they leave from treatment,” says Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland. “The whole concept of aftercare is maybe even more important than the treatment itself.”
Certain components of continuing care, such as ongoing therapy and a strong support network, are essential to relapse prevention. But aftercare options vary greatly between rehab centers. Some centers may not offer continuing care, or may offer these services at an additional cost. So make sure you find out as much information as possible about your rehab’s aftercare program.
Ask the Questions That Matter to You
Asking all of the questions above is a great way to suss out whether a residential rehab center feels like a good fit. These questions may lead to more questions that are specific to your personal needs. For example, if you know you’re going away for a month to receive treatment, maybe you already know you’re going to need specific accommodations or allowances. Or if you have certain issues to address while you’re in treatment, you need to make sure the center can adequately help you. Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have! Only you can decide if a center is going to be able to meet your needs and offer everything you’re looking for during your stay.
What Happens Next?
Once your initial assessment is over and all of your questions have been answered, you’ll likely receive treatment and length of stay recommendations from your admissions specialist. At this point, you can also schedule a visit to tour the facility, if it’s feasible for you, before you make any final decisions.
Your admissions specialist will then review the results of your intake assessment with you. This may happen later, over the phone, or even once you’ve checked in to the facility. It’s extremely beneficial to know your results, because “personalized feedback on the risks associated with [your] own use of a particular substance and how [your] consumption pattern compares to norms—especially for [your] own cultural and gender groups—is a powerful way to develop a sense of discrepancy that can motivate change,” according to a SAMHSA report on Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment.
Lastly, if the facility isn’t the best fit for you, or if you decide it’s not possible at this time for you to physically attend residential rehab, you can ask for additional recommendations. The admissions team might connect you with other resources depending on their level of expertise. Ideally, they would be able to point you in the right direction.
“In my role as admissions coordinator, I help families find treatment for their loved ones,” clarifies Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside. “I guide them through the process, since a lot of families are new to addiction treatment. Sometimes this includes getting them to insurance-based programs, or even helping them get services through their community or state.”
Once you’ve chosen the rehab center that’s the best fit for you and doesn’t have a wait period (or if it does, has a wait period of less than 4 weeks), the admissions team will also help you organize the logistics. This may look like your intake specialist giving you practical, specific advice or taking action on your behalf, like helping you request time off of work for treatment and arranging your travel to the center.
A rehab admissions specialist should be able to assist you with anything on your to-do list prior to check-in:
No matter where you’re at in the process of seeking help, it’s okay to not have all of the answers. The first phone call to a residential rehab is a key first step towards getting the help you need. Before you pick up the phone, be the most prepared you can be with up-to-date, accurate information about residential rehab so you can confidently make an educated choice about which center is the best one for your unique wants and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling a Rehab Center
What happens when you call a drug rehab?
An intake specialist will ask a series of questions to learn more about you. This helps them determine the level of care you need and other treatment details. It’s also a chance for you to find out more about the center.
What questions should I ask when choosing a drug rehab?
These questions can help you make the most out of your call:
An intake or admissions specialist picks up. Sometimes a receptionist will answer and redirect your call. All rehab staff should follow ethical standards when interacting with potential clients.
Rehab is just the first step in making long-term changes to your lifestyle. Because many people choose to go to rehab in response to a crisis, it’s easy to approach this process with a sense of urgency. In the moment, that urgency is warranted. However, when you’re so focused on the short term, it can be difficult to imagine a better future. People tend to catastrophize, picturing themselves going through crisis after crisis, and this emotional spiral can lead to poor decision-making.
Preparing for hard times is helpful, but catastrophizing is not. You are a dynamic, learning, growing person. And the more time you spend focused on healing, the more tools you will develop to navigate any hardship that comes your way.
After rehab, it’s natural to be concerned about relapsing. And that’s understandable, because relapses do happen. But they’re not the end of the world. By the time you leave rehab, you’ll be prepared to work through these setbacks. Nearly 75% of people who experience addiction ultimately recover.1 This includes people who experience relapses.
The process of preventing a relapse begins the moment you enter rehab. Addiction treatment providers understand that your goal isn’t just to complete the program, it’s to successfully reenter the world and live a sustainably healthy life. Your experience of rehab will prepare you for what comes next.
Relapse is a valid concern for many clients. That’s why so many good-quality rehabs focus on giving you the tools you need to work through it.
Delamere in England offers relapse prevention support, 12 months of aftercare, and a 24/7 helpline for those who complete their residential program.
What Causes Relapse?
Stress
Stress is a natural part of life, and research shows that people with a history of addiction may be more sensitive to stress. Even positive events can be stressful,2 like getting a promotion or planning a wedding. The goal isn’t to eliminate these triggers, but to manage them in a healthy way.
Following rehab, stress can make you vulnerable to relapse.3 That’s because there’s a well-understood link between stress and addiction4—and this is especially true of chronic stress. Many people first turn to substances in response to difficult life situations. And without strong coping mechanisms, it’s easy to fall back into those unhealthy patterns. During rehab, you’ll learn how to manage your responses to stressful situations.
Although mindfulness is something of a buzzword these days, it’s also an effective tactic for coping with stress. This and other emotion regulation techniques taught in rehab can help you focus on the issue at hand, instead of getting lost in a series of overwhelming reactions.
Unexamined Trauma
Don Lavender, Program Director of Camino Recovery in southern Spain, explains the impact of unresolved trauma on relapse:
“The biggest contributor to relapse is stress, and the biggest contributor to stress is unaddressed or unresolved trauma.”
Trauma can result from any number of things, and no two people have the same experience. One person might develop PTSD from a car accident, while another walks away with no lasting psychological effects. Ongoing trauma, such as an abusive relationship or a toxic living situation, can result in complex PTSD (CPTSD), which has slightly different symptoms than PTSD.
With either of these conditions, it’s quite common to develop triggers. A trigger is an experience that evokes feelings of the original trauma, which are often disproportionate to the present moment. For example, open flames might trigger a person with PTSD from a house fire. When they see a burning candle, they may feel a sense of fear and urgency or even rush to put out the flame. In life, this isn’t always an appropriate response. That’s why, in healing from PTSD and CPTSD, clients are encouraged to pinpoint their triggers and develop more effective coping mechanisms.
Substance abuse is a common response to triggers5 like these. When you feel frightened or hurt, substances can short-circuit your emotional state. However, mind-altering substances are just tools, and each one of them has a specific effect. And when substances are the only tool you have available, it makes sense that you would try to use them to fix emotional problems. That’s why rehab is designed to give you more tools, so you can always use the right one for the task at hand.
Patients at Michael’s House in Palm Springs, California discuss relapse prevention strategies in group therapy.
How to Plan Ahead
Rehab is designed to give you the resources you need to not only guard against relapse, but to deal with it when it happens. Many people have concerns about transitioning out of rehab and back into their regular lives. It’s important to remember that rehab is not a vacation; it’s more like a class. You won’t be expected to go back to your old routine when you finish the program. In fact, your experience in rehab will help you decide how to change that routine in order to prioritize your long-term health.
By the time you decide to go to rehab, you probably already know that your habits need to change. Your team of healthcare providers understands this, and they want to help. The process of planning for your reentry into the wider world begins the moment you enter the program, says Rowland Tweedie, the Health and Fitness manager at Paracelsus Recovery:
“Often I tell clients their job, in that initial period after the treatment, is them: it’s their health, it’s their wellbeing. We should plan that…It’s important to have local support in place.”
Planning for life after rehab is different for everyone, and your providers will help you come up with strategies that fit your needs. Some clients find it helpful to create an emotional first aid kit, in which they write down strategies to employ in the future. It can be difficult to think clearly during times of extreme stress, and this is one way to remind your future self of the tools you have available. For example, an emotional first aid kit might include the following:
The phone number of your therapist or sponsor
A list of activities you enjoy, like cooking or exercising
A list of distress tolerance skills you learned in therapy, such as listening to a song you love, lighting a scented candle, or holding an ice cube in your hand
A comfort object, like a soft pillow or a worry stone, that you can pick up and hold in the moment
A mantra you can repeat to yourself during meditation
Rehab is a valuable opportunity to learn from experts, and many programs include educational components. You might learn about the root causes of addiction, including biological predispositions, risk factors in your upbringing, and co-morbid diagnoses. Many rehab centers offer skills coaching, equipping you with healthy habits intended to improve your quality of life. You might learn how to exercise properly, how to cook, or even how to paint. Craving management classes provide strategies for working through any urges you experience in the future.
This type of learning is extremely important, and you’ll ideally come away from it with many useful coping strategies. However, finishing rehab doesn’t mean you’re simply “fixed.” When you exit the program, you’ll begin a whole new learning process. The environment of a rehab facility is very different from the wider world, and it will take you time to reacclimate. There will be times when you’re overwhelmed and unsure of how to react to a new situation. Each of these moments is an opportunity to put your new skills into practice.
Immersion Recovery Center in Florida helps patients prevent relapse via stepped-down treatment like sober living and outpatient care.
Life After Rehab
By the time you leave rehab, you’ll have a very specific plan in place for aftercare. Although the transition may be jarring, your team will work with you to make it as seamless as possible. Most clients make plans for continuing care, which may be ongoing or may just see them through the transitional period. These services may be offered by your original treatment facility, or you may work with a different provider after you complete the program. Certain types of care may be covered by insurance, but that’s not universally true.
If you traveled to a destination rehab center, you can still find providers that will be locally available when you return home. This may take a little more effort on your part, but it’s important to at least begin the process before you finish the program. You’ll want to have ground support as soon as you arrive, so that your new team can help you process the move to a new place. At this point, you’ll also be navigating brand new big changes. You may need to restructure your relationships, move to a new home, or change careers. It’s far easier to do this with a team standing by to support you in person.
Continuing care refers to any type of support that sustains your ongoing recovery. Components of continuing care may include the following:
Individual therapy
Psychiatry
Group therapy
Support groups (12-Step programs, harm reduction meet-ups, etc.)
Work with a nutritionist
Personal training and exercise
Massage therapy or acupuncture
Family support (family of origin or chosen family)
Community support (friends and loved ones)
Recreational groups (hiking groups, sports teams, fan clubs, knitting circles, etc.)
Any or all of these types of care may be appropriate for you. And remember that healing can be fun! Joy and passion are essential components of recovery. Taking pride in your accomplishments—whether a big presentation at work or a doodle of your cat’s face—allows you to find meaning in your daily life. It’s also important that you find healthy and sustainable ways to unwind. As you transition out of your old lifestyle, it can be difficult to imagine having fun without using substances. But don’t be afraid to try new things. There are countless ways to enjoy yourself, and you may be surprised to find you have much more fun when your head is clear.
Responding to Relapse
Relapses happen. Even when you have new skills, a strong support network, and the very best of intentions, this is a risk that you’ll face during recovery. Remember that relapse is not a sign of weakness, and it doesn’t have to be a failure. As Dr. Christine Merzeder, Senior Clinical Coordinator at Paracelsus Recovery, explains:
“When [you] relapse, there’s no moral issue with that. We say, ‘Okay, back to square one.’ If you relapse, phone us, come back to us. We give you advice on what to do. Don’t panic.”
If you do relapse, start by reaching out to a trusted healthcare provider. This could be someone you see regularly, like a local therapist or psychiatrist, or you can call the facility where you started treatment. Don’t isolate yourself or get lost in feelings of shame. There is a strong link between shame and addiction,6 and hiding your struggles often amplifies them.
Remember that this is a relapse. That means you’ve been here before, and you’ve gotten help before. You already have the tools you need to start or restart the healing process. You are living proof that change is possible. Some rehabs offer programs specifically for people who have relapsed after treatment. Depending on where you go, you may be able to return to the same place for a shorter stay. If that’s not available to you, you might also consider an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in your area. In an IOP, you would continue to live at home, attending regular therapy sessions and workshops at a local treatment center.
Healing is a holistic process. If you’re considering rehab as an option, you probably already understand that substance abuse can have an impact on every area of your life. This might include your job, your family, your social life, and even your physical health. The goal of rehab is not just to heal your mind; it also aims to empower you to make big changes to the structures around you. You’ll have to reexamine the way you relate to the world, and take steps to make your life more sustainable. Don’t be daunted by this process. With every positive change, you’ll build momentum. This is true even during setbacks. If you relapse, remind yourself how far you’ve already come.
Lasting change is a long, slow process. The Stages of Change model7 lays out the many steps that go into this process, from precontemplation to ongoing maintenance. Most notably, this model includes relapse as a distinct possibility. Alex Lickerman, M.D., writes:
“Never let a few days, or even weeks, of falling back into bad habits discourage you from fighting to reestablish the good habits you want. Always remember: No one was born with habits. They were all learned, and can all, therefore, be unlearned.”
Relapse is just one step in a lifelong journey. It may feel like a step backward, but it’s also an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Pain of any kind—be it emotional, physical, or spiritual—is just information. When you touch a hot stove, you learn not to do it again. The lessons of relapse are more complex. You may learn that a particular relationship is causing you harm, or that you need to pay more attention to your sleep schedule. Any information about yourself is valuable. This learning process empowers you to build a life aligned with your values.
Remember: the path to healing isn’t linear. Whether you’re recovering from a broken ankle or emotional trauma, setbacks are to be expected. If you can, let these experiences motivate you. Listen to yourself, understand your needs, and focus on doing the next right thing.
If you’re in need of support, many rehabs offer programs that can help. Search for a facility based on your criteria and speak directly with an admissions advisor about the best course of action for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relapse
What are the causes of relapse?
Many factors can contribute to relapse, including stress, boredom, negative emotions, and peer pressure. Be aware of your own triggers and to have a plan in place for coping with them.
What can I do to prevent relapse?
There are a number of things you can do to prevent relapse. These include attending regular therapy and support groups, learning healthy coping strategies, avoiding triggers, taking prescribed medication (if necessary), and leaning into your support network.
What should I do if I relapse?
If you relapse, talk to your therapist or sponsor. They can help you understand what happened and develop a plan to prevent relapse in the future. Remember: relapse is a common part of recovery and it does not mean you’ve failed. An addiction treatment center, addiction-specialized therapist, or supportive loved one can help you recommit to your recovery and get back on track to your goals.
